The survey predicts that around 400,000 Utah residents will travel 50 miles or more from home this Independence Day, down nearly 3,500 travelers, or 0.8 percent, from last year's figure. Nationally, this expected dip in traveling is steeper. AAA predicts that around 40 million Americans will travel this weekend, down 1.3 percent, or more than 500,000 people, from last year.

In Utah, much of the decrease comes from fewer travelers who are expecting to fly. Eleven percent say they will, down from 14.2 percent last year. More than 85 percent say they plan to drive to their destinations, down about a half percent from 2007.

"Clearly, gas prices have taken a toll on the entire spectrum of the travel industry," said AAA spokeswoman Rolayne Fairclough in a statement. "Less disposable cash and an overall increase in travel expenses have caused Utahns to postpone or downsize their holiday getaways."

Travel challenges can be traced to record-breaking gasoline prices, steep increases in airfare - which have climbed around 13 percent this year - and a declining U.S. economy. Gas prices in Utah and nationally hit another record on Monday, with a gallon of regular unleaded hitting $4.09. That is up 18 cents from a month ago and 94 cents from a year ago in Utah, and up 12 cents from a month ago and $1.13 from a year ago nationally.

The price of oil on Monday lost 21 cents to settle at $140 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. In early electronic trading, the contract hit a record $143.67.

Rising prices for food and other goods are combining with rising fuel costs to prompt many consumers to change their spending habits.

Becky Kuan, a Salt Lake City resident, has in years past spent the Fourth of July weekend in St. George. But this year, she said, she will stay home in an effort to save money.

"It's just too expensive to go," she said.

Other Utahns plan to follow through with their Independence Day getaways.

Nate Torgerson, of West Valley City, plans to take his customary waterskiing trip to Duchesne County this year, believing that tradition trumps extra dollars spent at the pump.

He believes that many Utahns feel the same way.

"I think people will still do these things," he said. "They may just have to do them closer to home."

ccrockett@sltrib.com

How to save money traveling this Fourth of July weekend:

What to do:

* Make fewer trips for errands. Get three done in one outing.

* Travel light: Loaded roof racks decrease fuel efficiency.

* Use cruise control to maintain a steady speed.

* Be smooth while accelerating and braking.

* Check your tire pressure: underinflated tires reduce fuel efficiency.